Virtually every day, it seems like there is some new technological tool or app that is transforming the business landscape as we know it. Automation is transforming the way that traditional roles in a business function. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are completing tasks in a fraction of the time that they used to take when completed manually.

These changes are exciting, but also somewhat discomforting for those who are falling behind in their understanding of high-tech. Since IT recruitment agencies are looking for the best of the best when it comes to a wide range of digital skills, it is important to maintain your digital literacy if you are either looking for work or looking to hire employees for your business.

To give you a better sense of what is at stake, let’s look at some of the specific reasons why it is more important than ever for employees to be IT-literate.

Data Literacy

Beyond programming skills, having a general sense of how data can be used and why it is useful for virtually any job these days. In the area of fake news and bad arguments, it is more important than ever to be able to sift through information and data rapidly to identify real patterns and trends. Understanding the ways in which data can be leveraged to provide insights will also be increasingly important for mere survival in the business world. 

eCommerce And Digital Marketplaces

Many businesses are foregoing opening a brick-and-mortar location altogether these days. Instead, they are choosing to operate as an entirely online operation. Having employees who know how eCommerce works and how each step of the online sales and transaction process works is more relevant than ever. Without digital literacy, your employees may lack the necessary skills and knowledge to streamline these operations and keep revenues flowing in.

Accounting And Other Business Software

Paper-based accounting and bookkeeping are largely phenomena of the past. As more and more businesses transition to using accounting software, it becomes increasingly disadvantageous to stick with the old way of doing things. Contemporary employees need to know how these tools work and how they can be leveraged to analyse financial data to save you money and identify useful business insights.

Digital Marketing

While a basic understanding of how to use a computer will allow your employees to have a rudimentary understanding of digital marketing, there are endless possibilities that remain to be fully utilised. However, your team must have the right skills in order to be able to implement these tools effectively. If your employees are IT-literate, they will be able to squeeze even more value out of your existing marketing budget.

Do Not Forget Soft Skills!

While digital literacy may be absolutely critical, it is also important for virtually all employees to have the right soft skills, like creativity and collaboration skills, to effectively work in the modern world. Having both the technological savvy and the ability to relate with people will keep employees flexible and ready to adapt to the changing world of work.

Make The Transition Slowly But Surely

If you are a business owner who is concerned with the level of digital (il)literacy among your team, then it is important to take action right away. There is always trepidation when it comes to big changes like this in a business, however, taking the time to offer training to boost the technological comprehension of your team will pay off in the long run.

Consider the reasons outlined here to motivate you to stick with the process. In the end, your business will be more competitive and ready to meet new technological opportunities as they arise.